«I understand those who feel that people are challenging democracy in their country, but want to travel to democratic countries, including the UK,» British Ambassador to Kyrgyzstan Nic Bowler said at a briefing.
According to him, the UK understands the feelings of civil society due to the bill on NGOs adopted in the first reading.
«I would like to convey to respected legislators that we advise you to listen strongly to the content of the UN letter,» Nic Bowler said.
Earlier, in its letter the UN stated that Nadira Narmatova’s bill on foreign agents contradicts the international obligations of Kyrgyzstan. The UN Resident Coordinator in Kyrgyzstan, Antje Grawe, noted at public hearings on the bill that if adopted, the bill risks leading to disruption at best and, at worst, a termination of financial support for the Kyrgyz Republic from the international organization.
On October 25, the Parliament of Kyrgyzstan adopted in the first reading changes to the Law on NGOs and the Criminal Code, initiated by Nadira Narmatova and a group of deputies, which provide for the introduction of the concept of «foreign representative» (analogue to a foreign agent in Russian legislation).
A petition has been created demanding the introduction of personal sanctions and visa restrictions for deputies promoting the law on foreign agents and their close relatives. It was posted on Change.org website.
